Compositions including nano-particles and a nano-structured support matrix and methods of preparation as reversible high capacity anodes in energy storage systems

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery comprising a anode nano-scale composition, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a nano-structured support matrix deposited on the substrate comprising a first nanomaterial in a form selected from the group consisting of nanotube, nanowire, nanorod and combinations thereof, that is vertically aligned and perpendicular to the substrate;
• a second nanomaterial deposited on the surface of the nano-structured support matrix in a form selected from nano-particle, nano-cluster, droplet and combinations thereof, comprising a composition selected from the group consisting of metallic, metalloid, and non-metallic;
• and
• an interfacial layer comprising amorphous carbon formed in-situ on the nano-structured support matrix underlying the second nanomaterial.